Biomedical subjects

Thierry Lebret

Publications and source records attributed to Thierry Lebret.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Relaxation of phasic contractile activity of human detrusor strips by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibition.

OBJECTIVES: Detrusor smooth muscle relaxation is mainly mediated by the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway. Elevation of cAMP levels by phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibition relaxes smooth muscles of various origins. We aimed to determine the effect of a PDE4 inhibitor, rolipram, on human detrusor contractions. METHODS: Human bladder strips (from 20 different donors) with no known overactive bladder (OAB) were studied in organ baths. Detrusor samples with or without urothelium were incubated with carbachol 10(-6)mol/l (in presence or absence of forskolin, 3.10(-7)mol/l) or with KCl 10mmol/l to enhance phasic contractile activity. Concentration response curves for rolipram or vehicle were then performed. RESULTS: Rolipram (10(-9) to 3.10(-5)mol/l) induced a moderate relaxing effect on carbachol-induced contractions. This effect was enhanced when cAMP levels were increased by forskolin (the maximal effect was 53.0+/-5.1 vs. 83.1+/-5.7%, p<0.01) or in strips with urothelium. In contrast, rolipram (10(-9) to 10(-4)mol/l) drastically inhibited phasic contractile activity: The developed tension, the area under the curve, and the amplitude of phasic activity were reduced to 64.8+/-3.6, 91.2+/-5.3, and 82.3+/-7.3%, respectively, versus 23.6+/-9.5, 34.7+/-18.8, and 18.0+/-16.2% for vehicle, respectively (p<0.05). Frequency of phasic activity was 0.96+/-0.45 contractions per minute versus 2.6+/-0.18 for vehicle (p<0.001). In strips with urothelium, the inhibitory effect of rolipram on phasic contractile activity was similar. CONCLUSIONS: PDE4 isoenzymes are strongly involved in the regulation of phasic myogenic activity of human bladder strips. Because an increase of this phasic activity may play a role in the pathophysiology of detrusor overactivity, PDE4 inhibitors might represent an attractive strategy for the treatment of OAB.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

PubMed2006

HSP90 expression: a new predictive factor for BCG response in stage Ta-T1 grade 3 bladder tumours.

OBJECTIVES: Although Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations are considered as the adjuvant treatment of choice for stage Ta-T1 grade G3 bladder tumours, there is no consensus for a predictive factor to assess BCG success. This study attempted to evaluate if heat shock proteins (HSPs) could be useful predictive markers in BCG responses. METHODS: Thirty-three primary resected G3 superficial bladder tumours were included in the study. All patients received adjuvant BCG instillations. The mean follow-up was 56 mo (range: 24-132 mo). HSP expression was evaluated by immunochemistry. RESULTS: In the 33 patients, 18 had no recurrence (group 1), 9 had recurrence with no muscular invasion (group 2), and 6 had an invasive recurrence (group 3). A significant correlation was found between lack of expression of HSP90 and BCG response: the mean HSP expression was 92.7%, 84.4%, and 26.7% for groups 1, 2 and 3 tumours, respectively (p<0.0001). For the 6 patients who did not positively respond to BCG, HSP expression was <40%. All the tumours with a HSP90 expression >40% positively responded to BCG, corresponding to group 1 or 2 patients. In contrast, HSP60 expression was not correlated to the BCG response. CONCLUSIONS: HSP90 could be considered as a very promising marker to assess BCG treatment response. Low HSP90 expression (<40%) could be useful to predict BCG failure and early stage cystectomy could be proposed for these selected patients with primary high-risk grade 3 superficial bladder tumours.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2006

Should bladder biopsies be performed routinely after bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment for high-risk superficial transitional cell cancer of the bladder?

OBJECTIVE: After endoscopic resection of high-grade superficial urothelial neoplasms (Ta, T1 or Tis), adjuvant bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy is performed routinely to avoid recurrence and/or progression. Vesical biopsies often are performed to assess the efficacy of treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of these biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this retrospective bi-centre study, 130 patients who had undergone vesical high-grade tumour resection were included. There were 40 Ta associated with Tis in three cases, 87 T1 associated with Tis in 13 cases, and three isolated Tis. After BCG treatment, the following parameters were studied: cytoscopic findings, urine cytology and the histologic results of systematised biopsies. RESULTS: Urine cytology was positive (high-grade) for 26 patients and negative (normal or low-grade) for 104 patients. For the 26 patients with positive cytology, vesical flexible cystoscopy findings were considered suspicious in 18 patients and normal in eight patients. As for the 104 patients who presented negative cytology, cystoscopic findings were considered negative in 76 patients and suspicious in 28 patients. In the present study, the sensitivity of cytology and cystoscopy in the detection of recurrence after BCG treatment was 56% and 87.5%, respectively; specificity was 56% and 81.6%, respectively. When the two examinations were combined, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 76%. CONCLUSIONS: After BCG therapy, the association of negative flexible cystoscopy findings and normal urine cytology made it possible to avoid routine biopsies. Patients could therefore avoid the morbidity of this procedure.

BCG Vaccine↗

PubMed2006

Effects of potassium channel modulators on human detrusor smooth muscle myogenic phasic contractile activity: potential therapeutic targets for overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVES: Increased urinary bladder detrusor smooth muscle phasic contractility has been suggested to be associated with idiopathic bladder overactivity (OAB). We examined the role of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels, adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, and calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca) and SK(Ca)) channels in the regulation of human detrusor phasic contractile activity. METHODS: Isolated human bladder strip phasic contractions were measured and quantified as the mean area under the force-time curve, amplitude, and frequency of phasic contractions in 22 bladder samples. RESULTS: Human detrusor strips displayed myogenic phasic contractions in the presence of atropine (10(-6) M), phentolamine (10(-6) M), propranolol (10(-6) M), suramin (10(-5) M), and tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M). The L-type calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine (300 nM) abolished the contractile activity. Blockade of K(ATP) channels by glibenclamide (1 and 10 microM) did not alter myogenic contractions. In contrast, the K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil (10 microM) markedly inhibited phasic contractility. Iberiotoxin (100 nM) and apamin (100 nM), potent and selective inhibitors of BK(Ca) and SK(Ca) channels, respectively, significantly increased the area under the force-time curve and the amplitude of contractions. CONCLUSIONS: Phasic contractions of human detrusor are dependent on calcium entry through L-type calcium channels. BK(Ca) and SK(Ca) channels play a key role in the modulation of human detrusor smooth muscle phasic contractility. Furthermore, these observations support the concept that increasing conductance through K(ATP), BK(Ca), and SK(Ca) channels may represent attractive pharmacologic targets for decreasing phasic contractions of detrusor smooth muscle in OAB.

Calcium Channels, L-Type↗

PubMed2006

Diagnostic utility of a p63/alpha-methyl coenzyme A racemase (p504s) cocktail in ambiguous lesions of the prostate upon needle biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential utility of a new combined immunostaining technique for diagnosing prostate cancer from histological analysis of needle biopsy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue was immunostained with a combination of antibodies against a basal cell marker (p63), and an enzyme commonly overexpressed in prostate cancer (p504s), on 63 small prostate cancer foci (<1 mm) and 109 cases of ambiguous lesions observed in needle biopsies. RESULTS: After p63/p504s immunostaining, 93% of the ambiguous lesions (102/109) were classified. The final diagnoses retained were: 92 prostate cancers, seven atypical small acinar proliferations suspected of being malignant but undiagnosed, 21 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, five atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and 36 atrophic benign mimickers of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Combining p504s as a positive marker for prostate cancer and p63 as a negative marker might improve diagnostic performance, sensitivity and specificity, and lead to fewer false-negative results. This simple immunostaining procedure should reduce the percentage of residual ambiguous lesions and the need for additional biopsies.

Antibodies↗

PubMed2006

[Evaluation of sexuality and erectile function of candidates for radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sexuality and erectile function of candidates for radical prostatectomy in order to assess the place of nerve-sparing surgery in the preoperative discussion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From June 2004 to January 2005, 75 consecutive patients, candidates for radical prostatectomy, were prospectively evaluated. Their erectile function and sexuality were evaluated after announcing the diagnosis. Patients completed the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function), EQS (Erection Quality Scale) and the sexual satisfaction score (SSS). The mean age of the patients was 65 years and 50% were younger than 65. RESULTS: Erectile dysfunction according to the IIEF-5 scale was observed in 64% of cases (43% of patients younger than 65 and 84% of patients over 65). Erectile dysfunction was considered to be severe in 5% of young patients versus 34% of patients over 65. The majority of patients (69%) had a sexual activity more than twice a month. Only 31% of patients under 65 and 8% of older patients considered their erections to be very satisfactory according to the EQS. Despite this high frequency of erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 65, sexual satisfaction was not influenced by erectile dysfunction. In contrast, patients younger than 65, erectile dysfunction clearly altered the SST sexual satisfaction score. CONCLUSION: Erectile dysfunction was present in a large proportion of candidates for radical prostatectomy. The presence of erectile dysfunction in patients over the age of 65 did not modify their sexual satisfaction score. A detailed clinical interview concerning sexuality should be conducted to select patients likely to benefit from nerve-sparing surgery. Nerve-sparing surgery would be beneficial in young patients in whom sexual satisfaction is dependent on erectile function. In the older men, erectile dysfunction can be present without affecting sexual satisfaction.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

[Follow-up of urothelial tumours. Guidelines of the Comité de Cancérologie de l'Association Française d'Urologie].

The follow-up of urothelial tumours is designed to allow early detection of recurrence or progression, for which treatment is possible. Recent interesting points are: the more frequent and simpler use of the new classification into low grade and high grade, essentially applied to the management and surveillance of tumours involving the mucosa or lamina propria; and the limited place of urinary markers.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

PubMed2005

[Value of new prostate cancer markers: alpha methylacyl CoA racemase (P504S) and p63].

The diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on histological examination of prostatic biopsies using histological criteria identified on standard stains. In certain lesions mimicking prostate cancer, the pathologist must perform immunohistochemical studies looking for loss of basal cells and antibodies directed against cytokeratin CK 903 (34bE12) or CK5/6, which sometimes give inconclusive results leading to a diagnosis of suspicious site. The discovery of overexpression of alpha-méthylacyl CoA racemase in prostate cancer using a microarray technique has allowed the development and marketing of an antibody (P504S /AMACR) which, in combination with a new basal cell marker (p63), is a very valuable tool for the pathologist in the management of suspicious sites and cancers less than 1 mm in diameter detected on prostatic biopsies.

Humans↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of imaging-guided fine-needle percutaneous biopsy of renal masses.

To evaluate the utility of imaging-guided fine-needle percutaneous biopsy of renal masses, we conducted a prospective analysis of our imaging-guided procedures from January 1999 to February 2003. We performed 54 percutaneous core biopsies in 46 patients. Fluoro-computed tomography and ultrasound guidance were respectively used in 48 and six cases. One to four specimens were obtained by using an 18-gauge automated coaxial biopsy system. We reviewed the patients medical records, pathology results, and imaging studies. Core biopsy results were compared with surgical pathology (n=27) or clinical follow-up (n=19). All biopsies provided sufficient material for analysis. The mean tumor size was 33 mm. Biopsy findings were positive for malignancy in 31 cases; histologic diagnoses included renal cell carcinoma (n=23), transitional cell carcinoma (n=5), and metastasis (n=3). Biopsy revealed 15 benign diagnoses: oncocytoma (n=6), hemorrhagic renal cyst (n=3), chronic nephritis (n=3), angiomyolipoma (n=2), and mycotic renal abscess (n=1). The average follow-up period for patients with benign diagnoses was 16 months. Biopsy results showed normal renal parenchyma in eight of 54 procedures, all of which had recuperated by subsequent biopsies. No immediate complications occurred after the procedures. Imaging-guided percutaneous core biopsy is a safe and accurate method for the evaluation of renal masses.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Value of the antibody cocktail anti p63 + anti p504s for the diagnosis of prostatic cancer].

UNLABELLED: Numerous lesions of the prostate, such as atrophy, adenomatous atypical hyperplasia (adenosis) or PIN can be misdiagnosed with prostatic cancer, and confused with ASAP, leading to perform additional biopsies. In such lesions, the pathologist can perform an immunohistochemical study with the anti-high molecular weight cytokeratin antibody CK903 (34bE12), which confirms the absence of basal cells and supports the diagnosis of prostatic cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare markers of basal cells (cytokeratin 5/6, p63) and the marker of prostatic carcinomatous glands (p504s) or alpha methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 44 cases of paraffin-embedded prostatic specimens (36 biopsies, 4 PER, 1 adenomectomy and 3 radical prostatectomies), consisting in 20 cases of prostatic carcinomas (2 intraductal, 12 Gleason 6 (3+3), 4 Gleason 7 (4+3), 2 Gleason 8 (4+4)), 11 ASAP, 9 PIN (2 low grade, 7 high grade (2 isolated)), and 10 benign lesions (8 atrophy, 1 atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 1 case of clear cell cribriform hyperplasia). All cases were tested with antibodies to CK 5/6, and with a cocktail to p63 and p504s, after heat antigenic retrieval on NEXES Ventana processor. RESULTS: Basal cells of normal prostatic glands stained with CK5/6 and p63 in 91,3% and 100% of cases, independently from the fixation procedure (Bouin or Formalin). Carcinomas had a p63-/p504s+ profile, PIN were p63+/p504s+, and benign lesions were p63+/p504s-. We observed an increase in sensitivity: p63/p504s (100%), CK5/6 (80%), p63 (90%), p504s (95%), and specificity: p53/p504s (90%), CK5/6 (87.5%), p63 (90.5%), p504s (90.9%). CONCLUSION: Our results show that the use of a cocktail to p63/p504s is more specific than the use of CK5/6 alone this technique supports a diagnosis of prostatic cancer in 40% of cases previously considered as ASAP.

Antibodies↗

PubMed2004

Diagnostic utility of a p63/alpha-methyl-CoA-racemase (p504s) cocktail in atypical foci in the prostate.

Prostatic needle biopsy is the preferred method for diagnosing early prostate cancer, providing specific information. In cases of histological cancer mimics, a diagnosis of atypical small acinar proliferation suspected of but not diagnosed as malignancy can be made. In such cases, and in small focus carcinomas, pathologists use 34betaE12, cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 or p63 immunostaining to label basal cells, and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR/p504s) immunostaining as a positive prostate cancer marker on two distinct slides. However, in cases of small foci, ambiguous lesions might disappear. The purpose of our study was to improve the sensitivity of a cocktail of two antibodies (p63/p504s) with a sample incubation on 260 prostatic specimens, in order to help make a decision in conjunction with standard histology and CK 5/6 immunostaining. We tested 101 small focus prostatic cancers, 104 atypical small acinar proliferation, 19 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, two atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 34 benign mimics of cancer. After p63/p504s immunostaining, the final diagnoses retained were as follows: 154 prostatic cancers, 14 atypical small acinar proliferation, 30 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, three atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 62 benign mimics of cancer. To differentiate malignant from benign lesions, we used the criteria of greater sensitivity to p504s/p63 (95%) than to CK 5/6 (57%) or p63 (86%), and higher specificity for p504s/p63 (95%) than for CK 5/6 (88%) or p63 (81%). With the p504s/p63 cocktail, 89% of the ambiguous lesions were classified vs 53% for CK 5/6. Combined use of the two antibodies, one (p504s) as a positive marker and the other (p63) as a negative marker, with a simple immunostaining procedure, may improve diagnostic performance, sensitivity and specificity, leading to a reduction in the risk of false negatives; this technique in cases of atypical small acinar proliferation should reduce the percentage of residual ambiguous lesions and the need for additional biopsies.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMed2004

Prostatic capsule- and seminal-sparing cystectomy for bladder carcinoma: initial results for selected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the oncological outcome and functional results of prostate-sparing cystectomy (PSC), proposed for treating bladder cancer, used since 1999 in our institution in an attempt to preserve male sexuality and to increase continence after cystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2001, 111 men were candidates for cystectomy; 42 were selected for a prostatic capsule- and seminal-sparing cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion. All patients had clinically organ-confined tumours (clinical stage </= T2, N0M0). The first stage of the procedure was a transurethral resection of the prostate to exclude the involvement of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in the prostate. RESULTS: Eight patients were excluded from PSC because they had TCC (seven) or prostate adenocarcinoma (one). The mean age of the remaining 34 patients was 61 years and all underwent PSC. After a mean follow-up of 26 months, seven patients (21%) had a recurrence; one developed a local recurrence, there were widespread metastases in six (18%), and five had histologically confirmed organ-confined tumour (T1-2N0M0). Rates for daytime and night-time continence were 90% and 85%, and in 29 patients potency was unchanged. CONCLUSION: These early results suggest that PSC is not equivalent to radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer control, despite marked improvements in the functional results. Moreover, in carefully selected patients this approach appears to dramatically increase an unusually high metastasis rate. Therefore, the indications for PSC should be either clearly well defined or abandoned in these patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2004

Peyronie's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease is a sexual medicine condition that may adversely affect male sexual function. AIM: To provide expert opinions/recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of Peyronie's disease. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a scientific and debate process. Concerning the Peyronnie's disease committee, there were 10 experts from six countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinions/recommendations are based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee discussion over 2 years, public presentation and deliberation. RESULTS: Peyronie's disease is characterized by an inflammatory response beneath the tunica albuginea with fibroblast proliferation forming a thickened fibrous plaque that may cause penile pain, penile curvature and erectile dysfunction. Medical treatments have been described but few prospective controlled trials have revealed significant clinical benefits. Surgical treatments (penile plication, Nesbit excision, plaque incision and grafting and penile prosthesis insertion) should be considered after Peyronie's disease has stabilized. Surgical outcome studies reveal that a stable deformity is best corrected with the least postoperative ED by a Nesbit procedure. Plaque incision and grafting should be reserved for men with good erectile function and marked penile shortening although there is a higher prevalence of postoperative ED. Implantation of a penile prosthesis is an excellent option for men with an accompanying erectile deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Safe and effective treatments for Peyronie's disease examined by prospective, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional clinical trials are needed.

Consensus↗

PubMed2004

Priapism.

INTRODUCTION: There are three different types of priapism: low-flow, ischemic, anoxic or veno-occlusive priapism; high-flow, arterial or nonischemic priapism; and recurrent or stuttering priapism. AIM: To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the diagnosis and treatment of priapism. METHODS: An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Priapism Committee, there were 10 experts from six countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate. RESULTS: Concerning ischemic priapism, persistent cavernous smooth muscle relaxation and failure of contraction is a compartment syndrome with increasing intracavernosal anoxia, rising pCO2 and acidosis. Urgent medical attention should be sought for an erection lasting >4 hours; 90% with priapism >24 hours develop complete erectile dysfunction. After diagnosis and counselling, intracavernosal aspiration and alpha-blockers should precede surgical shunting. Concerning high-flow priapism (congenital, traumatic or iatrogenic), intervention is not urgent and often unnecessary. Definitive management is by selective embolization with autologous blood clot. Concerning recurrent/stuttering priapism, the pathophysiology may be central or local (sickle cell disease). Management needs to be individualized; androgen deprivation has proved useful but has adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is need for prospective, clinical trials to define safe and effective management strategies for patients with low-flow, high-flow or recurrent priapism.

Consensus↗

PubMed2004

[Urothelial tumors].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

PubMed2003

Heat shock proteins HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90: expression in bladder carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are synthesized by cells in response to various stress conditions, including carcinogenesis. The expression of HSPs in neoplasia has been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis, and HSPs also can act by increasing immunity. In the current study, the authors attempted to clarify the significance of HSPs in bladder carcinoma and their effect on tumor behavior. METHODS: Expression levels of the 27-kilodalton HSP (HSP27), HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 were studied using immunohistochemistry on tissue sections from 42 transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder (14 Grade 1 tumors; 13 Grade 2 tumors; 15 Grade 3 tumors, including 3 tumors associated with carcinoma in situ; 30 Stage Ta tumors; 7 Stage T1 tumors; and 5 Stage T2 tumors). Bladder specimens from 10 healthy patients were used as controls in the study. The selected patients had a mean follow-up of 52 months (range, 24-78 months). Among the 37 patients with superficial bladder carcinoma, 17 patients did not have any recurrence after undergoing primary resection, and 20 patients developed recurrent disease, including 4 recurrences with muscle invasion. HSP expression was evaluated according to the percentage of positively stained cells, and loss of expression was defined as < 80% of stained cells. RESULTS: In normal bladder specimens, all four HSPs (HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) were expressed strongly in the cytoplasm and membrane from the basal cell layer to the superficial cell layer. Loss of expression was detected in tumors: respectively, 45.2%, 38.1%, 69.0% and 23.8% of tumors showed a loss of immunostaining for HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90. No correlation between HSP expression and grade was found. Low expression levels of HSP27 and HSP60 were correlated with higher tumor stage (87% vs. 6% [P < 0.001] and 78% vs. 9% [P < 0.01], respectively). HSP60 and HSP90 expression levels were correlated with final outcome for patients with superficial bladder carcinoma: loss of expression was associated with the risk of developing an infiltrating recurrence (97% vs. 6.0% [P < 0.001] and 88.2% vs. 52.5% [P = 0.02] for HSP60 and HSP90, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HSPs were expressed in normal urothelium, and the current results indicated that loss of HSP60 and HSP90 expression may have prognostic relevance in patients with bladder carcinoma. The authors believe that HSP60 may be a very useful marker for patients with superficial bladder carcinoma and may be used for predicting disease progression. If these data are confirmed, low HSP60 expression levels may be usable as a prognostic marker to identify patients for whom local treatment would be insufficient.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Heat shock proteins in the genitourinary system.

Heat shock proteins are ubiquitous molecules that are expressed in all living organisms in response to stress. They have two specific roles: protection against cell damage and modulation of the immune response. Recent studies have dramatically increased our knowledge and understanding of the role of heat shock proteins in the genitourinary system. This review uses a Medline approach to examine the current literature.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Heat shock proteins: their role in urological tumors.

PURPOSE: Heat shock proteins are ubiquitous molecules that are expressed in response to stress in all living organisms. The 3 important roles in regard to cancer development that have also been described are the regulation of apoptosis, modulation of the immune response and drug resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recent studies have dramatically increased our current knowledge and understanding of the role of heat shock protein in cancer. We used a MEDLINE approach to examine the past and current literature. RESULTS: The roles of heat shock protein in relation to urological tumors, namely those of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testis, are diverse. There are possible sites for heat shock protein modifications that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to urological cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of treating patients with vaccines earlier in the disease course may stimulate research.

Apoptosis↗